Leggett: Gomez should learn facts on pipeline

Gabriel Gomez thinks that the XL pipeline should be approved because it “…will create jobs, drive down our energy costs and help us to become energy independent.”

Milford Daily News

Writer

Posted Jun. 23, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 23, 2013 at 11:04 PM

Posted Jun. 23, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 23, 2013 at 11:04 PM

» Social News

Gabriel Gomez thinks that the XL pipeline should be approved because it “…will create jobs, drive down our energy costs and help us to become energy independent.”

Unfortunately, this is not entirely true. It will create jobs, but they will be mostly short term, and other alternatives would create more permanent local jobs.

It will not drive down energy costs because it is being piped to a free-trade zone in Texas and will be refined and mostly shipped overseas. More importantly, if it does increase the supply, the Saudi’s can just reduce their output to compensate.

There are better alternatives that he is ignoring or just does not know about. Specifically, a small veteran-based startup in Massachusetts has demonstrated that they can produce a biomass fuel that will effectively compete with fossil fuels, can be used in cars with minimal changes. AND, unlike the pipeline, this fuel produces zero percent net CO2. AND, if there is an accident, it will biodegrade in two weeks or less - unlike the thick crude in the XL pipeline that will take years and billions of dollars to clean up as was the case in Alabama.

So, if Gomez is really concerned about the well-being of the planet and his four children, he needs to stand up to his party and learn the facts about the XL pipeline and why it is being promoted to corporations and protested by people. Otherwise, he will end up nowhere closer to a solution for our fossil fuel addiction.